In our latest offseason preview for the Tennessee Titans, we’re taking a look at the team’s pending free agents and biggest needs at the tight end position.
Tennessee’s best tight end in 2023 was 2022 fourth-round pick, Chig Okonkwo, who led the position with 528 yards and one touchdown.
While it wasn’t the true breakout campaign Titans fans were expecting, Chig still managed to top his rookie yardage total after a slow start that was filled with bad drops. Okonkwo no doubt saved face with a strong finish.
The other notable tight end was 2023 fifth-round pick, Josh Whyle, who showed flashes both as a pass-catcher and blocker but ultimately didn’t do much because of a lack of playing time and injury.
.@Titans @will_levis a MNF “6 Pack” of completions. Lots to like and build upon in the Music City. #TitanUp #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/9QJO1Ew1CW
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 3, 2023
The Titans will be depending on both of those tight ends in 2024, but what’s the situation beyond them? We’ll go over that and more in our Titans offseason preview for the tight end position.
Under contract
Under contract: Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Thomas Odukoya (futures)
If all goes well, the Titans already have their top-two tight ends on the depth chart under contract in Chig and Whyle. At the very least, they have their No. 1 in Okonkwo, who proved to be a serviceable blocker on top of an impact pass-catcher in his second season.
How much Whyle is involved might depend upon how much he’s improved as a blocker, although the emphasis on that part of his game might subside a bit now that head coach Brian Callahan is at the helm and likely to turn this offense into a more pass-centric unit. Also, improvement upfront from the offensive line will play a part.
Even still, Whyle did show some flashes in that area to give hope he’ll be a plus blocker. We already know he has the tools to be an impact pass-catcher.
As far as Odukoya is concerned: he’s been riding the international player exemption on the practice squad for a few years now.
He’ll likely be a camp body but will have an opportunity to make this team as a blocking specialist, although it remains to be seen how many spots will be available beyond the first two.
Pending free agents
Pending free agents: Kevin Rader, Trevon Wesco
Rader and Wesco both serve the same purpose: blocking.
While Tennessee might not be depending on their tight ends the same way the old regime did, Tennessee is still likely to carry at least a third tight end on the roster, and that tight end will likely be a blocking specialist.
Both Rader and Wesco check that box, although the latter is a slightly better option. That said, neither one is a must-sign player and it wouldn’t be at all shocking if both aren’t brought back
Biggest needs
Biggest needs: A blocking tight end (TE3)
The Titans will carry no fewer than three tight ends and, barring something unforeseen, the first two spots will be taken by Whyle and Okonkwo, both of whom are good pass-catchers. Again, Okonkwo is serviceable, at worst, as a blocker but the jury is still very much out on Whyle in that department.
Knowing that, the Titans should be in the market for a blocking specialist. It’s possible the Titans have that guy in Odukoya, but they’ll certainly bring in competition.
Tennessee could opt to bring back either Wesco or Rader, both of whom can check the blocker box at the position. If Tennessee brings one of those two back, the depth chart would look like this, assuming the Titans keep three:
TE1: Chig Okonkwo
TE2: Josh Whyle
TE3: Trevon Wesco
I wouldn’t rule out a draft selection of a tight end in the later rounds, but it certainly isn’t necessary. Overall, the above group is one I’d be fine with, especially if Whyle is able to take that next step in 2024.
